Matt Whyman

minipigs in paperback

2011-10-10T17:40:00.002Z

It's paperback time in the UK for my memoir about family life with badly-researched pet pigs. Given that Butch and Roxi are now pretty much maxed-out minipigs, the book has a fresh new look and name.

Pig in the Middle is published on October 13th by Hodder & Stoughton. Also available as an e-book.

Oink: My Life With Mini-Pigs

2011-09-19T10:43:00.001Z

This week sees publication of the hardback in the USA. It's also available as an ebook, and an unabridged audiobook (CD/Mp3), as read by Simon Vance (the voice of Stieg Larsson's novels). Check out a sample here.

To mark publication, Simon & Schuster USA are offering two free copies to American readers over on the Oinkminipigs Facebook page. All you have to do is take a look at a picture of Roxi and guess her weight (clue: aim high!). The winners will be announced on Friday.

Finally, my thanks to the Richmond Times-Dispatch for a lovely early review:

"Written with wry humor and accompanied by numerous photos, Oink at first appears to be a light read — and Whyman's nimble touchwith language confirms that impression — but on a deeper level, its centerfalls as much on people as it does on pigs. Butch and Roxi may be theostensible stars, but it's the six Whymans — and particularly Matt and Emma — who tug at the reader's heart whilesimultaneously eliciting chuckles and the occasional belly laugh … a movingsalute to love, family and commitment."

Pig in the Middle

2011-08-22T19:05:00.000Z

In the UK, my pig memoir gets a fresh new jacket and title for the paperback. No more stunt pigs on the cover. Just Butch and Roxi, a line up of wellies and the kind of lawn I can only dream about.

Pig in the Middle is published on October 13th by Hodder & Stoughton.

Bring on the butterflies ...

2011-07-25T14:38:00.002Z

Above is the French book club edition of OINK, which I thought I'd share. It's a far cry from:

... but I like it all the same.

new editions

2011-05-31T18:11:00.002Z

Here are three forthcoming foreign editions. Oink in Italy and America, and the German paperback of Inside the Cage.

... and one more just added: Oink in ~~Denmark~~ Holland (with grateful thanks to an eagle-eyed reader):

All four titles are published later this year.

Oink in the USA

2011-05-02T16:42:00.001Z

Here is a first look at the jacket for the American edition of my most recent book. Oink: My Life With Mini-Pigs will be published on September 20th 2011 by Simon & Schuster.

More details, and anything minipig-related, can be found at the dedicated blog for the book: http://www.oinkminipigs.com/.

upcoming events

2011-04-21T15:40:00.002Z

I've added an events page to this blog, which is where I'll flag up all upcoming appearances.

I'll be at the Camberley Theatre in May, talking about Oink! My Life With Minipigs. You'll find all the details in this section.

Wychwood Festival event

2011-03-31T19:36:00.000Z

The 2011 Wychwood Festival takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse from 3rd - 5th June.

This year features acts such as The Waterboys, Eliza Carthy, The Charlatans, Cornershop and Robyn Hitchcock.

The festival also features a Kids' Lit stage. I'll be there on Saturday 4th June, talking about the life and work of the reclusive Romanian author, scholar of Eastern European folktales, psychic wildlife investigator, Youtube conspiracy-clip disciple and end time theorist, Lazlo Strangolov.

Goldstrike USA review

2011-02-23T17:43:00.002Z

The sequel to Icecore was published in paperback in the USA earlier this month. Thanks to BookMooch.com for this great review:

Carl Hobbes is back in an even bigger, more fast-paced adventure. Basically 24 for teens, it's another book that should find a rabid audience with the same audience who made Anthony Horowitz and James Patterson's teen spy novels massive hits.

More reviews here

Oink! Oink!

2011-02-14T21:31:00.004Z

Oink! My Life With Minipigs is published in the UK on February 17th by Hodder & Stoughton.

For all information, comments, clips, pictures and news, check out the official blog - oinkminipigs.com

Goldstrike hits the USA

2011-02-08T21:00:00.001Z

In the USA, the paperback of Goldstrike, the second in the series about teen hacker Carl Hobbes, is published today by Simon & Schuster.

"A spine tingling thriller from the chilling opening to the very last page, the twists and turns of the Goldstrike plot follow Carl Hobbes, teenager hacker extraordinaire, as he keeps one step ahead of the different but equally dangerous powers that are after him. A mesmerising, clever and page-turning read full of tension and danger in which nothing can be taken for granted." Julia Eccleshare

Oink! is serialised

2011-02-05T16:57:00.001Z

Today sees the first of a two part serialisation of my new book, Oink! by The Daily Mail.

It's an abridged version of several chapters, but gives a flavour of the story.

In the print version, it also promises that on Monday you can read all about how I encounter Roxi the minipig wearing my wife's negligee.

Hope that's going to be in context.

Update: here's the link to the second part

Lazlo resurfaces

2011-01-03T09:36:00.002Z

2011 might be all about minipigs here, but Oink! is not my only book to be published this year.

Lazlo Strangolov's Tooth & Claw is the second in a series of East European tales of mystery and suspense for young readers. The first, Feather & Bone - about spooked chickens and a battery farm producing a very special cut of meat - was nominated for the 2010 Carnegie Medal.

This one is about a zombie beagle. It's a cross between Lassie Come Home and Day of the Dead.

"Little Lumina loves her pet beagle, Scud, even though he's been quietly brought back from the grave by her father. Now stranger things are surfacing in the volcanic town which is home to Doctor Grubo's health clinic...

Would the doctor erupt if he was wise to the kind of animal testing going on in the clinic's lab, or does he have a hidden interest in developments?

Could Scud be responsible for licking roadkill back to life? A demon badger is bad enough, but can that really be a zombie swan? And how do you walk a part-decomposed hound without attracting attention - or flies?

Scud may be a one-eyed corpse dog, but as bedlam grips the town he can still smell a mystery. When the beagle goes missing, Lumina must fight tooth and claw to save his life. Again."

Lazlo Stranglov's Tooth & Claw (illustrated by poor, frazzled Quinton Winter) is published in the UK by Walker Books on 7th February 2011.

2010-12-10T12:43:00.000Z

As the publication date draws nearer for Oink! My Life With Minipigs, here are some lovely advance quotes from three fine authors:

"Funny, frank and charming."
Lisa Jewell

"What a fabulous, funny read! I enjoyed every page. Highly recommended for anyone with a pet, a partner, a family, a sense of humour...or even a minipig." Sophie Kinsella

"My favourite pigs since Babe... funny and completely charming." Jenny Colgan

The book is published by Hodder & Stoughton on February 17th 2011.

International Minipigs

2010-10-01T14:55:00.015Z

Here is a first look at the cover for Oink! My Life With Minipigs, which is published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton on February 17th 2011.

I'm also thrilled that translation rights are being picked up.

The list so far:

USA (Simon & Schuster)
France (Editions Jean-Claude Lattes)
Germany (Goldmann Verlag)
Italy (Sperling & Kupfer Editori)
Holland (De Boekerij)

I'm told that in France, 'oink' translates as 'groin', so that's going to be an interesting edition.

You can also find the beginning of an official book website, here at www.oinkminipigs.com

2010-09-23T10:50:00.005Z

Oink! My Life With Minipigs

2010-09-03T19:03:00.004Z

Following today's press release from Hodder & Stoughton, featured in The Bookseller , here are details of my first work of non-fiction for adults.

Oink! My Life with Minipigs is published in hardback, February 2011:

What happens when a man wonders aloud if a pig would make a good pet? A great deal – once his wife discovers a kind the size of a handbag.

Matt Whyman is a writer and house husband. He enjoys the quiet life. His career wife, Emma, prefers the chaos a big brood can bring. On top of four challenging children, one freaked-out feline, a wolf-like dog and a wild bunch of ex-battery chickens, she brings minipigs Butch and Roxi into the fold.

But can the new arrivals really cuddle up on the sofa, or will their growing presence spark a battle of hearts, snouts and minds?

Funny, touching and entertaining, Oink! charts the trials and errors of one man and his menagerie. With help and advice from a seasoned local smallholder, Matt sets out to master the art of managing minipigs – inside the house and out. Then someone suggests breeding minipiglets, and Matt’s understanding of marriage is tested in the most unexpected ways…

The jacket is in the final stages. It's a riot, and as far removed from the guns, explosions and boys with tattooed wings that you'd expect to see on the cover of my books. I'll post it up as soon as the powers that be have signed it off. For now, here is a picture of the mighty Butch with his sister, Roxi - one of a host featured in the book.

Edit - actually, I'm not sure this picture does feature in the book. It's a bonus extra now.

Goldstrike - latest USA reviews

2010-08-12T17:51:00.008Z

I've just been sent reviews from America for teen hacker, Carl Hobbes' second adventure, Goldstrike.

"A suspense novel along the lines of Robert Ludlum, reminiscent of the latest Die Hard movie ... a welcome escape for current and future suspense fans. It will not stay on the shelf for long." VOYA

"This is definitely one fast-paced novel ... interesting, entertaining and action-packed ... Give this to students who are ready for an older Alex Rider or who enjoy thrillers"

Now, I would credit this last one, but the photocopy I've been sent is so iffy that I can't make out the title at the foot of the page. So, if reviewer Robin Henry from Texas is reading this a) Thanks - I got your back - and b) if you could let me know I'll gladly amend.

live on BBC Radio 1

2010-07-26T16:34:00.004Z

On Tuesday 27th July, I'll be a guest on BBC Radio 1's The Surgery.

The show goes out live 9.00pm-10.00pm, and also on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

It's an advice show, and I'll be talking about body image on behalf of TheSite.org

Coming up after the break

2010-06-09T18:54:00.013Z

Things have been quiet on this blog for good reason.

Basically, I've been writing like a demon. So, I'd like to offer a preview of things to come.

Firstly, in October, I have a short story featured in a fine anthology of "counterfactual fiction". I had to look up what that meant, and hope I've understood it correctly. It's a kind of 'what if history had taken this turn of events' sort of thing. My story concerns the accidental destruction of the moon during the Cold War.

The Truth is Dead is edited by award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick. The contributors include: Philip Ardagh, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Anthony McGowan, Linda Newbery, Mal Peet, Marcus Sedgwick, Eleanor Updale, and me. Or should that be 'myself'? I never know.

Lazlo Strangolov has also been busy. Following his Carnegie-nominated tale of spooked chickens, Feather & Bone, his next novel, Tooth & Claw, will be published by Walker Books in March 2011. It's a cross between Day of the Dead and Lassie Come Home.

Also, in a break from teen fiction, I've returned to Hodder adults (publisher of my first two novels, Man or Mouse & Columbia Road) for a memoir of sorts. It's been a huge, exciting challenge, to be published February 2011.

Hopefully, I can post more about it very soon.

words, music, pictures

2010-05-02T10:26:00.019Z

Here is the cover artwork I created for the new EP by Planet Boelex, which is released today.

I've been a fan of this well-respected Finnish musician for some time. It's hugely atmospheric and cinematic electronica that creates the perfect writing environment for me. So, it was a thrill to be asked to devise and produce the artwork to accompany this new release - in the style of my photomontage work on display in my Flickr gallery.

Raja (pronounced like 'player') is Finnish, so I'm told, for boundary or limits. This was a project that certainly pushed me, and I recommend a listen to the EP. It's out on the Nordic netlabel, Softphase.

Best of all, being wildly generous, Planet Boelex has made all tracks free to download.

... I think we can all see why I was drawn to check out the artist in the first place.

2010 Chesire Schools Book Award

2010-04-14T09:25:00.003Z

Lazlo Strangolov's Feather & Bone has been shortlisted for the 2010 Cheshire Schools Book Award.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday 29th June, 2010.

"Action, adventure... a page tearer."

2010-01-06T11:23:00.006Z

The Lateiner Gang review Icecore, publish an interview with me and offer a book giveaway.

In their own words, it's a triple threat.

Icecore published in the USA

2009-12-23T12:05:00.017Z

The paperback of my first thriller featuring teen hacker, Carl Hobbes, is now out in America.

Published by Atheneum, it will be followed in 2010 by the sequel, Goldstrike.

Hobbes is a seventeen-year-old British computer hacker who penetrated the security systems at Fort Knox for a laugh. But the American government are less than amused. Since his prank, gold bars have been landing in the hands of terrorists across the globe.

Now, Carl has found himself in a military prison deep in the Arctic and far off the grid. He's been caged alongside the world's most notorious mercenaries -terrorists for hire - with no one to trust and no end in sight.

Carl Hobbes may not be a criminal mastermind, but if he wants to escape this subzero prison with his life, he'll have to start thinking like one.

"Superbly written and perfectly paced."
School Library Journal

"Great for action fans."
Kirkus Reviews

part Bourne/part Bond/part Die Hard 4.0

2009-12-09T20:13:00.005Z

The legendary Liz from My Favourite Books has just posted a review of Goldstrike.

You can read it here.

Picture this

2009-12-04T17:10:00.007Z

When I'm not writing, I like creating images from photographs.

Generally, I make photomontage pictures of family or friends in high places - by which I mean people standing casually on precipices above the clouds.

A lot of you know I display my stuff on Flickr. Now, it's getting a bit serious. I've taken on several private commissions for canvases, while a growing selection is represented by stock photography agency, Getty Images.

Having spent every evening this week filling out model release forms, and completing reams of paperwork, I thought you might like to see what's on offer so far.

And now, back to the books ...

Lazlo's Carnegie Medal nomination

2009-11-10T18:11:00.005Z

Lazlo Strangolov's Feather & Bone has been nominated for the 2010 CILIP Carnegie Medal.

The reclusive End Time theorist, folk tale scholar and Youtube conspiracy videos fanatic is holed up in a bunker, somewhere in rural Romania, where he awaits the world's collapse. As Lazlo's spokesperson and middleman, I have already relayed the good news.

I have yet to hear a response, but speaking as an author who has never come close to being associated with this illustrious award, I should imagine he is thrilled.

www.strangolov.com

Bangkok calling ....

2009-11-09T17:49:00.006Z

My work as a novelist is profiled in the current issue of Bangkok club & lifestyle magazine, Bed Sheets.

You can read it online here (archive issue #28).

My thanks to the editor, Bee, who also happened to front a legendary cult band back when I was a teenager called Into a Circle. So, it was a bit weird being interviewed by him about my books, thinking 'but my girlfriend at the time used to have a poster of you on her wall!"

Carl Hobbes in the USA

2009-09-14T15:47:00.014Z

I've just seen the box-fresh covers for the American paperback editions of ICECORE (aka INSIDE THE CAGE) & GOLDSTRIKE.

A lot of work has gone into these, and I'm really pleased with the results.

Icecore is published on December 22, 2009.
Goldstrike follows on February 23, 2010.

Both books are published by Simon & Schuster USA

Red House Young Writers Workshop

2009-08-06T18:55:00.004Z

For the last three years, I have had the privilege of editing The Red House Young Writer's Yearbook.

It's a buzz to sift through the piles of submission in search of raw talent. I always hope those writers who see their first work in print feel empowered to go on to greater things, while inspiring others to reach for their pens.

This year, those young writers selected have been invited to take part in a workshop to further sharpen their skills.

That workshop takes place on Saturday, and just as soon as I've finished this blog I'm going to finalise what's on offer.

Whatever happens, it'll be fun. With goody bags to finish, so I'm told.

Inside the Cage arrives in Germany

2009-08-04T16:15:00.005Z

This week sees publication of Inside the Cage in Germany.

The book is published by Kosmos, with Goldstrike following next year, and features yet more tattoo-work on the cover. This stuff is catching!

cover story

2009-07-16T16:23:00.007Z

This is the jacket for the Estonian translation of Boy Kills Man, published this month.

I don't normally blog about my books in translation. I just love the artwork here, from a publisher that has been a big supporter of my work.

Goldstrike - on tour

2009-06-10T19:08:00.012Z

To mark publication of Goldstrike, the new Carl Hobbes thriller, here are the dates for the events taking place next week.

It's a runaround schedule, but I'll be sure to tweet all about it.

Monday 15th June: John Roan School, Greenwich (am); Lister School, Newham (pm)

Tuesday 16th June: TBC Windsor (am); Dedworth Middle School, Windsor (pm)

Wednesday 17th June: Copleston High School, Ipswich (am); Holywells High School(pm)

Thursday 18th June: City of London School for Boys, London (am & pm)

On Friday 19th June, on behalf of the Romanian End Time Theorist & paranoid poultry novelist, Lazlo Strangolov, I shall be hosting a 3.15pm 'refreshments' session at the 2009 School Libraries Association Conference in Guildford. Must look into what this means exactly.

Finally, more news soon on some upcoming e-book editions of Inside the Cage & Goldstrike.

new thriller: Goldstrike

2009-05-19T16:44:00.005Z

Hacker Carl Hobbes is back in action this summer.

Writing this one was a blast. Everyone wanted to know what happened to Carl after his escape from Camp Twilight. Having left him in an arctic wilderness, miles from civilisation, and with subzero temperatures threatening to take him out, it took the best part of a year to figure my boy's escape plans.

Needless to say he doesn't take early retirement.

Goldstrike is published on June 1st in the UK by Simon & Schuster. The novel will be released in the USA in 2010.

I'm doing a talk about being a maverick writer

2009-04-29T16:41:00.004Z

I've never been described like that before!

Here's the flyer ...

Bestselling writer, Matt Whyman will speak on May 12 at the London Writer's Club about writing that works.

'Earning a living as a writer is often a case of feast and famine. For this reason, I find peace of mind in making sure I always have other writing work while writing a novel. Not only does it guarantee food on the table, it can focus the mind when writing time is at a premium.'

His maverick approach to writing - including fiction, non-fiction and journalism - means that he really does make a living from writing.

Why not make 2009 the year you write your book without having to starve in a garret or give up your day job?

Click here to buy your London Writers' Club ticket

Save £5. Tickets: £10 in advance and £15 on the door.

London Writers' Club
Clerkenwell House, 23-27 Hatton Wall, EC1
May 12, 6.30-8pm Bar opens 6pm

2009-04-08T16:07:00.002Z

Write Away interviews Matt Whyman

Creative writing course

2009-03-02T17:16:00.006Z

MEMORABLE FICTION

April 20 -23, Tŷ Newydd

Marcus Sedgwick and Matt Whyman

"Whether writing for adults or teenagers, the writer who wants to succeed must aim to create something memorable.

Using tutorials, workshops and one-to-ones, the course will cover the essentials of creating not just any piece of fiction, but one that will linger in the minds of the reader. Topics covered will include: the seed of the story, populating your story, structuring your story, and telling your story, with reference to voice/sense of place/atmosphere, and style.

The course will also include some guidance on maximising your chances of getting a publisher or agent to read your work, and so get it published, and the realities of the modern UK publishing world."

Residential: £345 (single); £300 (shared); £200 (non-residential)

Tŷ Newydd
Llanystumdwy
Criccieth
Gwynedd
LL52 0LW

Telephone: 01766 522 811

Fax: 01766 523095

E-mail: post@tynewydd.org

31/01/09: Moscow, Russia

2009-02-03T10:34:00.005Z

A big thanks to everyone at Marka:ff who invited me to lecture this weekend at Moscow's Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.

This is the third time I've visited the city, and thanks to the people I've met it's easily become one of my favourite places.

In the morning we attended a panel conference at the Ritz, and following the lecture dined at a restaurant overlooking Red Square. I don't recall much about the party afterwards, but now I'm back with a list of chores that include shopping for beans at Tesco, so it all feels a bit unreal.

Thanks to Ali, Fedor, Liza, Leonid, Tasha, Albina, Alex and the skinheads outside the Kremlin on Sunday (for not kicking our heads in).

New Carl Hobbes thriller for 2009

2008-12-18T17:41:00.006Z

teenage hacker ... whereabouts unknown ... enemy of the state:

Carl Hobbes may have escaped from Camp Twilight, but now he's being pursued by a ruthless bounty hunter in the pay of the US government, and an al-Qaeda assassin. Wanted dead by one and alive by the other, he must call upon his skills as a manipulator of both systems and people to survive.

With no second chances, can he play one enemy against the other in his bid to live another day?

Hiding out in the least likely place possible - a state-of-the-art cargo warehouse storing untold treasures - Carl's only hope is to harness the powers of Cleo, the super-computer who controls it. But Cleo is primed to unleash aggressive counter-measures at the first sign of intrusion. With the enemy at the door, can Carl get her on side in time?

Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
In bookshops: 01/06/09

over the fence and into the woods

2008-10-14T09:54:00.010Z

Lazlo can be a demanding author. Sometimes, it's all work and no fun being his middleman.

One thing that has kept me from losing it with him over the last year is photography.

I've been posting my work on Flickr for a few months, and to my astonishment I've just been profiled by a proper photography critic.

“A book can take nine months to write, and is hugely rewarding to see in print,” says Whyman. “But a photograph is just that little bit quicker. In some ways, it’s the same process – it’s just that I can go from idea to finished article in a day.”

You can read more of the interview, and a critical overview of my pictures right here.

OK, stand back just a little more ...

new story to be serialised in Puffin Post

2008-09-19T09:06:00.011Z

The pre-launch edition of the all-new Puffin Post magazine will feature the first instalment of a box-fresh Matt Whyman story.

Tombstones takes us to the top of an ocean cliff face, and get deep inside the mind of a boy preparing to make the jump of his life.

Originally, I was asked to write just one chapter, and end it on a cliffhanger, which I did quite literally, in order for another writer to take over the baton.

So, in mischievous mood, I rendered the ending virtually impossible to continue. Then the Puffin team turned around and said they'd like me to write every instalment to the end. Uh oh.

Lazlo online

2008-07-21T19:25:00.006Z

Overnight, I have received an email from our man in the bunker ...

I hadn't heard from Lazlo Strangolov for a couple of weeks, which between us proved a bit of a break. Over the last year, I've had to work as a middleman between Lazlo himself, holed up in the forested mountains of Romania, and the good people at his UK publisher, Walker Books. I'm doing it because he's a childhood friend who has some issues with fresh air and socialising like a normal human being, but also because his forthcoming novel, Feather & Bone, is a tale of mystery and suspense like nothing you have read before.

The book is close to coming out in proof format - a limited edition for booksellers and the likes to read in advance of publication next March. I'm hoping when that happens Lazlo will accept that his skewed and creepy debut is in the public domain and quit hitting me with queries about the position of commas and the size of the lettering. He's a good guy at heart, but really needs to get out more.

So, when the email came in my heart sunk somewhat. I figured he'd had a crisis about whether the number of chapters should be odd or even. Instead, I opened it up to find only the name of a website. It looks to me like there's more to come, but as his appointed literary executor I thought I'd offer it up to you all sooner rather than later. This way, he's less likely to have a change of heart and take it down.

So, unless you have a serious chicken phobia, I ask you to point your browsers at: www.strangolov.com

Just be sure to come back afterwards. I have my own books to plug, after all.

enter Lazlo

2008-06-20T13:40:00.004Z

I mentioned in an earlier post that I have been championing the forthcoming literary work of a reclusive childhood friend of mine.

Lazlo Strangolov is of Romanian stock, and unlikely to emerge from his homeland to promote his forthcoming novel. Somehow, I have assumed that role on his behalf.

Feather & Bone is published next spring by Walker Books. It's an oddball folktale of mystery and suspense, though I'm not sure I can share much more for fear of receiving a stiff reprimand from the author himself. It's Lazlo's debut, after all. All I can say is that it features paranoid chickens, menacing butchers and exploding bunny rabbits.

Last week, I attended a summer party hosted by Lazlo's publisher. I like going along to these kind of things. It's an opportunity to meet everyone involved in getting your book from manuscript to bookshelf. Only this time was different. Why? Because everyone wanted to talk about Lazlo, and showed not the blindest interest in my own writing projects.

I guess I'll just have to get used to this. I'm happy that Lazlo's weird little offering has received such a positive early response. Increasingly, however, I wish my name was on the front and not his.

no to age banding

2008-06-05T22:26:00.005Z

I rarely put my name to a cause. I believe in family, kindness, and generally not throwing about what little weight I have. And that's about it.

A few weeks ago, I received a mail-to-all-authors letter from my publisher outlining pre-agreed plans within the industry to stamp all books for children and young adults with age-guidelines. My first response was to accept it as a fait accompli .

Unusually for me, despite thinking the whole idea to be foolish in the extreme, I chose to file it in the bin. I guess I just rolled over.

Several weeks on, I'm delighted to see that writers, librarians and readers with spine have come together to voice a protest. It's one I support wholeheartedly. Books should be open to everyone, regardless of age.

Anything on the cover that tells a reader or parent that it's above or beneath them is simply patronising. If it doesn't float your boat, put it down or learn from the experience. Don't be instructed by a sticker conjured up by committee. Check out the cover, the title and the blurb - that's where the art is. Y'know, even leaf through a couple of pages.

Should you take a chance on a 'dangerous' title and it opens your eyes to a whole new way of seeing the world then good on you for expanding your horizons. And if it's rubbish then at the very least the experience will sharpen your critical faculties.

Readers at every level are intelligent individuals. You're capable of making your own decisions about the books you read. This seems to me a simple fact, and if you agree then put your name to the campaign for No Age Banding.

More immediately, when are they going to arrange the list of signature authors in order of importance ;o)

Hay Festival event

2008-04-30T18:57:00.009Z

Adventures for Boys
Matt Whyman & Justin Richards
Wednesday 28th May, 11.30am, 9+
The Guardian Hay Festival

The two masters of action adventure discuss books, boys, computers and code with Jonathan Douglas.

Whyman's Inside the Cage sees a skilled young hacker subjected to an 'extraordinary rendition' and internment in an Arctic prison. The hero of Richard's The Chaos Code has to cross continents, decipher codes and explore ancient ruins in an exhausting bid to rescue his father, the eminent archaeologist, Dr Stribling.

Tickets: £3

what happened to the website?

2008-04-28T09:16:00.003Z

Regular visitors to www.mattwhyman.com will note this is not the shonkily-put-together-with-stolen-code website you have come to know and laugh at.

It is, as you can see, my blog all fancied up with links and stuff. The reason being ~~I was fiddling with an upgrade to the website and totally broke it~~ the blog is much easier to maintain. I originally set up the website in 2001 to promote my first novel, Man or Mouse. Since then, with every book published it's become harder to navigate.

Finally, I have come to realise that I need to, y'know, put my hand in my pocket and commission a professional site. Which I will do. Soon. Until then, this is what we'll call home. OK? Good.

the dog ate my homework

2008-04-16T08:31:00.009Z

I have good reason for reporting nothing lately. I've been locked away with my trusty white german shepherd, Sesi(posing here for my whizzy new camera) writing a new book. It's a follow up to Inside the Cage - to be titled Outside the Cage in the UK/as yet untitled in the USA.

It's nearly finished and I'm very, very excited by this one. It has, quite literally, been a blast to write. For those who read the first book, Carl Hobbes does not get an easy ride home.

Outside the Cage will be published by Simon & Schuster in 2009 - here and in the states.

I've also been helping another writer make it into print. If I had known how much time it would take up, however, I might have made my excuses. As kids, I was friends with the author in question until his family moved back to his native Romania. Annoyingly, having milked my publishing contacts and pestered me to make some introductions, he's landed a dream deal for a deeply creepy first novel guaranteed to put you off your chicken nuggets.

Feather & Bone will be published early next year. I'm in no position to say any more, but if you're reading this, Lazlo, you owe me.

Boy Kills Man - the spoof

2008-02-17T17:25:00.002Z

While we await the official film adapation of Boy Kills Man here is a YouTube spoof of the novel, discovered by my daughter.

The music is genius, the last line inspired. I'm not sure whether to laugh or cry.

BlogFest USA

2008-02-17T17:17:00.005Z

From March 14-27th, Simon & Schuster young adult authors will be answering your questions live.

I don't entirely get how it works, but my name is on the promo site. More details once it's all been explained to me.

Bath Literature Festival

2008-02-17T17:07:00.006Z

"Should Young People Have a Social Conscience?"

Thurs 28th February, 2.30pm-3.30pm Guildhall, Bath

Young adult authors, elected representatives from local schools and the audience join together to debate whether young people should have a social conscience.

Graham Marks (Omega Place), Sam Mills (The Boys Who Saved The World) and Matt Whyman (Inside The Cage) will discuss with Julia Green young people’s role in society and the ethical and social challenges they face, with elected representatives from local schools – and with the participation of the audience!

Supported by The Joyce Fletcher Charitable Trust

Street Runners: the inside story

2008-01-14T16:35:00.000Z

On February 4th, my next novel is published in the UK.

Street Runners is the first in an urban fantasy trilogy set in London's sprawling, subterranean network of tunnels, tracks, vaults and lost waterways.

If this sounds familiar, it's because the book has been out before. In 2005, it was published as So Below. Having hit the shelves, it promptly came off again when my publisher decided to retool both the title and the jacket.

Sometimes these things happen. As a writer it's a pain, but I'm pleased it's back with books two and three queuing up close behind.

Icecore published in the USA

2007-11-08T19:36:00.000Z

This week, the American edition of Inside the Cage hits the bookshelves.

Icecore : a Carl Hobbes Thriller doesn't just feature a different jacket and title. The plot takes new twists and turns as well. I would like to thank my New York editors, Justin and Jordan, for doing such a fine job working with me to nail it down.

Good work, fellas!

Cheltenham Literature Festival 2007

2007-09-17T19:16:00.000Z

Terrorism & Surveillance
Friday 12 October
5.30pm-6.30pm

Join three of our most thought-provoking, hard-hitting and topical authors writing for young adults today, as Graham Marks, Matt Whyman and Sam Mills discuss their new thrillers, involving terrorist plots, radical organisations, kidnap, media frenzy and mayhem.

Tickets £4. Book here.

Edinburgh Book Festival 2007 - two events

2007-08-17T12:47:00.000Z

"Big Brother is Watching"
Sherry Ashworth, Graham Marks & Matt Whyman
22 August 2007 at 4.30pm in the RBS Children's Theatre

Sam Mills & Matt Whyman: Terrorism and the Teen Thriller
23 August 2007 at 1.30pm in the RBS Children's Theatre

The last time I appeared at the Edinburgh Book Festival, I poured out of a cab outside my hotel late at night and left my manbag on the pavement. Big Brother clearly had his eyes closed then, because it didn't create a bomb scare, and nobody handed it in.

It just got nicked.

Unzipped & unleashed

2007-08-07T14:35:00.001Z

While I was away in the Middle East, Unzipped made it into UK bookstores. Published on August 2, it's a fully revised and updated edition of an advice book that came out several years ago under the name XY.

Top agony uncle Matt Whyman provides frank information on subjects of vital interest to teenage boys such as: puberty and private parts, sex and smoking, girls, mates and home life. He answers all the questions they're dying to ask, but daren't - and tells it straight with no judgement or spin.

"The facts for lads on sex, relationships and loads more." The Sun

"A non-sqeamish compendium of useful stuff." The Times

"An indispensable guide to love and sex. It will make a man of you." Mariella Frostrup

Creative Writing in the Yemen

2007-07-26T16:08:00.000Z

Tomorrow, I fly to the Middle East. I'm heading to the south of the Arabian Peninsula, to the city of San'aa in the Yemen, to host a three day creative writing workshop for the British Council.

I will be blogging about it on encompassculture.

Inside the Cage - play the game!

2007-07-06T05:56:00.000Z

To mark the publication of Inside the Cage, here is your chance to play the game online. For a limited time, you can attempt to steer Carl Hobbes across the Arctic tundra before his core body temperature falls to a lethally low level.

Along the way, you must collect items vital to his survival. I can't list them in detail as I keep dying before I complete the game.

But I'm going to press on because there's a chance to win a Nintendo Wii!

So, my friends, start your snowmobiles ....

In the dock

2007-06-13T09:04:00.001Z

I will be appearing at The Courthouse in Leeds Town Hall on Wednesday 20th June at 10.15am.

There, I shall be cross-examined by local pupils about my new novel, Inside the Cage. My co-defendant is Sam Mills, author of the mighty fine The Boys Who Saved the World. I understand a verdict will be given, which may lead to us being sent down.

Naturally, I will yell abuse at the judge on being led away, and claim I have been 'done up like a kipper'.

Inside the Cage - film promo

2007-05-21T16:22:00.000Z

A short film promoting Inside the Cage is now live on YouTube.

You can view it here.

I can only watch between my fingers.

Hay Festival event

2007-05-02T15:33:00.000Z

Friday June 1st, 2007 at 14:30
Bibliotherapy for Families
Vivien Norris, Matt Whyman & Claire Armitstead

The child psychologist running the pioneering Gwent Health Trust scheme to use self-help books in mental health cases is joined by children’s novelist and agony uncle Matt Whyman and Guardian Literary Editor Claire Armitstead to discuss how books can help parents and children with the struggles they face.

Tickets £3

A hacker in hot water

2007-04-24T09:04:00.000Z

Hacking has always appealed to inquisitive young minds. Finding a way inside places that are supposedly off limits can be a kick - in the real world as much as in cyberspace - even if the only goal is to prove that it can be done.

The downside, as UK hacker Gary McKinnon has discovered to his cost, is that if alarm bells ring the consequences can appear to far outweigh the crime.

From the computer in his bedroom throughout 2001, Gary maintains that he hacked into US military and NASA systems in a (geeky) search for evidence that UFOs exist. For this, he has been charged by the USA on numerous counts including 'bringing down the entire military network of Washington".

Unless the Home Secretary overturns a recent court ruling within the next three months, he will be extradited to the USA. There, he faces sixty years in prison.

I had McKinnon in mind while writing Inside the Cage. What's happening to him could happen to many, many other amateur hackers, regardless of their age or intention, and from that moment on they're on their own.

Inside the Cage is a work of fiction. Gary McKinnon's plight is fact. To show your support for Gary, visit the Free Gary website.

Dutch award nomination

2007-03-29T16:53:00.000Z

The Dutch edition of Boy Kills Man - Bloedbroeders - has been shortlisted for de Jonge Jury 2007.

The winner of this national award, voted for by 12-16 year old readers in the Netherlands, will be announced on April 17th.

School visits

2007-03-15T09:42:00.000Z

On Tuesday 20th March, I'm in Scotland for the Renfrewshire Book of the Year Award 2007. That morning, I'll be doing some sessions at Trinity High School.

On Thursday 22nd March, I'm at Hadden Park School in Nottingham, as part of the Annual Writers' Week.

Russia blog kicks off

2007-02-10T18:18:00.000Z

One week to go before I head off to Russia, to host creative writing workshops across several cities. The British Council have asked me to start blogging about it already - here at the encompassculture website.

Nothing profound to report right now. Mostly I'm just fretting about how cold it might be and posting pictures of my dog.

Russia tour - February 2007

2006-12-21T16:30:00.000Z

In February 2007, I'm travelling to Russia with the novelist Jamila Gavin (Coram Boy, The Blood Stone). Organised by the British Council, we'll be undertaking creative writing workshops, as well as attending reading groups and Q/A sessions.

It's going to be bitterly cold, so I'm told. The last time I went somewhere with subzero conditions, admittedly as a kid, I got my tongue stuck to a lamp post. I am determined not to test the elements in this way again.

Here are the dates:

Ekaterinburg
Saturday 17th Feb - Monday 19th Feb

Samara
Tuesday 20th Feb - Thursday 22 Feb

Volgograd
Friday 23rd Feb - Sunday 25th Feb

Sochi
Monday 26th Feb - Wednesday 28th Feb

Moscow
Wednesday 28th Feb - Thursday 1st March

The British Council will be running a weblog, like I need another one to maintain, but at least I'll have something interesting to write about for the fortnight.

XY100 in The Sun

2006-10-24T16:39:00.000Z

Dear Deidre,
I'm hooked on my computer, and it's no fun any longer - it has become an addiction ...

The Sun's fabulous agony aunt, Deidre Sanders, recommends XY100 : One Hundred Strategies for Life, in Monday's edition, and makes the author very happy. Let's hope the poor lad can find time to read it before his sight fails him.

Delivered. Now what?

2006-09-12T15:21:00.000Z

I've just delivered my next novel, INSIDE THE CAGE. The last few weeks have been a bit intense, and sountracked by something suitably driving and dirty - Puppy by Fluke.

So, now I have to wait for my editors in the US and UK to get back to me. Filling the time isn't easy. This morning, I was snowed under by notes. Right now, I feel unemployed.

Has anyone got work going? I can lay bricks and concrete foundations.

So Below - no show

2006-09-03T19:29:00.000Z

Monday Sept 4 is supposed to see the publication of the second in my So Below series. At least, that's how Amazon have it listed. The fact is the books 2 and 3 has been put back while my publishers work on new, improved jackets.

Unfortunately, this didn't stop Amazon putting out an email last week inviting those who had previously bought my books from ordering a copy of the delayed title. I always like seeing my sales ranking go up. This time, I just feel bad. I have been told that the details are supposed to have been updated, but if you're here for info because your book hasn't shown up then I'm sorry. It's totally out of my hands.

It's frustrating for me because I finished the trilogy late last year. I'd just like to see all three books out there. It will happen, however, and as soon as the schedule firms up I'll post the details here.

Snakes on the lane

2006-08-24T18:55:00.000Z

This morning, taking my dog for a walk, I came across some roadkill in the lane. Normally, you find squirrels, rabbits, and sometimes foxes. This time, coiled up neatly but a little bit squashed, I came across a snake.

It's about 12/13 inches long, arranged like a coaster (died in its sleep, I guess) and marked with green/brown diamonds - as well as many tyre prints.

Is this native to England, or a misplaced promotional gimmick for Snakes on the Plane? Either way, I took a photo with my phone, and if I could post it - I would. Right now, it's very flat indeed. Possibly beyond recognition.

Alive, it could've killed me in seconds. Really.

Boy Kills Man - USA paperback published

2006-08-24T18:48:00.000Z

The USA paperback edition of Boy Kills Man has just been published by HarperCollins.

Nominations for The Wild

2006-08-24T18:43:00.000Z

The Wild has been shortlisted for the Renfrewshire Teenage Book Award 2007, and longlisted for the Stockport Schools Book Award 2007.

Linky linky #2

2006-08-24T18:19:00.000Z

Not much to report lately. This is mostly because I am working on the US/UK edit of my next novel, Inside the Cage, which is due out next summer. To get me through it, I am listening to two CD's on constant rotation. Here they are:

Mu by Jah Wobble
I'll listen to anything by Jah Wobble. His dub bass, wit and invention is second to none, but this is his best album for years. If there's a deep need in your life for mystical east end/buddhist grooves, this is it.

Shri Durga by dj Cheb i Sabbah
This album is seven years old, but totally new to me, and brilliant. It's a collection of Hindu raga songs, with very subtle drum and bass added. This is a beautiful, devotional album, and I can't stop playing it.

What your talk plan says about you

2006-07-28T15:39:00.000Z

Every year, I upgrade my mobile phone for free. I don’t really use it much, but it would be rude not to get a shiny new one every twelve months. At lunchtime, I popped into the O2 shop to ask if my twelve months were up. The guy behind the counter was on the phone, (a landline - tsk). During this time a stunning Latin American lady appeared and stood patiently behind me. Finally, he finished the call, and asked me if he could help. I told him I wanted to find out if I qualified for a new phone.

“Sure,” he said, “and then his eyes whipped to the vision behind me. “Can I help you, if it’s quick?”

“I also want to know if I qualify for a new phone,” she purred.
“Well, if it’s OK with the gentleman,” he suggested, “I can check out your details at the same time.”

So, we trooped over to the table with the computer on it, and sat down together. Starting with the lady, at my request, he asked for her name and address to input into the database. While the stalker in me was making a mental note of her answer, the scriptwriter in me was thinking what a great romantic opener this would be: two strangers coming together at random, learning each other's name and address in an instant. We were sitting together as he worked, making easy small talk, but then the guy serving us began checking out my details.

“Mr Whyman," he paused to cough uncomfortably, "you’re on a talk-plan of 15 minutes a month, right?”
“I am.”

He flattened his lips in pity.

“Are you happy with that?” he asked, as I began to blush. “It’s a very low tariff.”

I glanced at my new friend. She wouldn’t meet my eye.

“It’s fine,” I admitted quietly, upon which she braved looking at me -in the same way you might look at a faithful pet whose about to be put down. “I don’t have many friends.”

A moment later, her phone began to ring. I bailed before she had finished with the call.

Creative differences

2006-07-20T16:30:00.000Z

I write a weekly agony column for AOL UK. Every Friday, I read hundreds of problems that have been sent to the Stressed Out Page, and publish responses a week later. Today, one problem caught my attention that truly stumped me:

Dear Matt,

Why did you have to leave Busted and break up the band?

Anon

Well, how can I put this ....

Linky Linky # 1

2006-07-13T14:17:00.000Z

GameRevolution nominate the Fifty Worst Video Game Names of All Time. Every one made me snarf. Irritating Stick, indeed.

I also dug out System 7's second album this morning. It must be 15 years old now, but somehow sounds better for age. Heady, acid-fried, techno and tribal - and crucially for someone writing for a living, no vocals.

On the shady business of selling proof copies

2006-07-12T13:47:00.000Z

In publishing, a proof copy is an early edition of a book, designed for the eyes of the book trade, critics, film scouts and other interested parties. A proof is sent out at no charge, and is intended to create a buzz. The aim is to increase the chance of sales, for the benefit of everyone involved in the chain from the author up. It's usually uncorrected, which means an editor hasn't tightened everything up and covered for the fact that you can't spele.

Ten years ago, a proof cover was little more than a sheaf of card with the author name and title stamped across it. Today, with increased pressure on publishers to make a splash with new titles, the proof has become more sophisticated. It often looks like a finished copy, but for details on the back of the publisher's promotional plans, plus the instruction that it's 'not for resale'.

Anyway, that's the science bit. The reason I'm writing about it is because I've had a run in this week with someone who makes a living out of selling them on.

Normally, I don't mind seeing proof copies of my books on ebay. It's a personal view, as I know plenty of authors, publishers, editors and agents who consider it to be theft. One UK publisher has recently announced that they will actively pursue anyone who sells proofs. Usually, it's booksellers supplementing their incomes, and good luck to them. I have no problem with this at all. So long as the publication date has passed, it's unlikely to deprive the publishers of a legitimate sale.

What I objected to this week was having a signature conned out of me because theoretically it increases the value.

I signed some books at an event a couple of weeks ago. At one point, a man approached me with a proof copy of The Wild. I asked him who he'd like it inscribed to. He smiled sweetly, said he was fan of my stuff, but could he just have the signature.

So, I did as requested. This week, the copy went up on ebay, with a photo of the signature - which, amazingly, I recognised as the same one. To be sure it was the same guy, I checked to see if he was selling books by other authors at the event, which he was, and so I decided to write to him - via ebay, using my ebay screen name.

'Hi' I wrote in the message field 'where did you get this from?'

His response? 'Mind your own business.'

It took a long walk with my dog before the red mist faded. I even left it a few hours before replying, just so I didn't get all sweary on him.

Unlike 'Bill', I am too much of a gent to just copy and paste our correspondence. His words are probably his ownership, unlike the proof, but that's another matter. In short, I revealed myself as the author, who felt he had a right to be a little vexed. I wished him all the very best in selling the book - not that it would earn him much - and hoped he felt some small sense of guilt at the underhand method he'd used to gain a signature for what is effectively a book he has no right to sell.

To his credit, he withdrew the book from auction, and damned me with some of the faintest praise ever. I know it isn't a big deal, but there is a principle at stake, which is this: If you're going to sell proofs, and want it signed, at least tell the author of your intentions. Had Bill, or his stooge as he was at pains to stress to me, been upfront about it, I would have probably politely declined. Bill expressed surprise at my stingy outlook, and tells me that he has 'big name authors' who readily supply him with proofs. Well, Bill, congratulations! I just think if you were open with every author and publisher whose property you intend to sell, your impressive stock might dwindle greatly.

Boy Kills Man in Guardian Top Ten

2006-07-03T16:37:00.000Z

Teen author Sam Mills, rumoured to be the pen name for Kazuo Ishiguro ~~but who is actually a girl~~, has listed Boy Kills Man in his/her top ten books about the darker side of adolescence.

Here's the list:

1. Lord of The Flies by William Golding

2. The Outsiders by SE Hinton

3. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

4. Boy Kills Man by Matt Whyman

5. The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan

6. Catcher In the Rye by JD Salinger

7. The Tooth Fairy by Graham Joyce

8. A Kestrel For a Knave by Barry Hines

9. The Republic of Trees by Sam Taylor

10. Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre

Sam Mills' first novel for teens, A Nicer Way to Die, is a bold, sharp-edged and funny read. Which sounds like one big back slap, but is true. If this had been my list, I'd have put it at number three. Had it been a list of dark adolescent novels by authors with a whopping big secret about their identity, it would of course be number one.

“For my first number …”

2006-06-30T12:58:00.000Z

A few months ago, I received an invitation to the Reading Festival. I picked up the email a little late at night, and blearily (but enthusiastically) replied that I would LOVE to appear at the festival. I even added a line expressing my surprise that they were featuring authors on stage now, and went to bed dreaming of hanging out backstage with various pop princesses.

When I received confirmation, I realised I had misread the invitation a little bit. It wasn’t Reading as in Redding. It was Reading as in Reading and Writing, and the school in question had no intention of turning their literary week into a rock festival. Anyway, the event happened yesterday, and was good fun. Thanks to Kay for sorting it so well, and also Chloe, the student chaperone, who had to sit through the same talk three times over.

I’m also sorry that I called you Sophie all day. It has not been a good week for names.

"How do you spell your name?"

2006-06-28T13:49:00.001Z

Last night, I attended a 'meet the authors' event at Heffers in Cambridge. It was a good evening, even if it was mostly 'authors meeting authors'. Hello Joe Craig, Marcus Sedgwick and Graham Marks among others *waves*.

As is standard, you're expected to sign books, which is fine when readers you don't know approach, but can be socially-crippling if people you really should know (but can't remember their names) thrust a pen and book at you.

Normally, the trick is to ask how they spell their name, and hope to hell they don't flatten their lips and say something like 'Dan. D.A.N.'. It works pretty well, and has got me out of plenty of scrapes in the past. Last night, however, a publisher's PR (whose name is now tattooed on the inside of my eyelids) asked me to sign a copy of SO BELOW. As I'd been talking to her for about an hour beforehand, I really couldn't admit to not being able to remember her name. It would've just been rude. Also, because her job involves handling authors, I figured she'd see right through the 'how do you spell your name' blag.

And so I panicked. Really badly. And just sort of scrawled across the page. It wasn't even an illegible scrawl, which might've been fine. It looked like something produced by a three year old having a temper tantrum.

I didn't blame her for looking at me funny. In retrospect, I should've just confessed that the wine had gone to my head and y'know, sometimes people forget names. Instead, I offered her the handwriting equivalent of a dirty protest. So, *****, I'm really sorry. It won't happen again.